Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1340

Carissa sat back in her chair and said, "The king has known about your corruption for some time now. He's allowed me to handle this privately to give you a chance. If you confess, your life will be spared. If you can provide valuable information, the worst you'll face is a demotion. You'll still be able to work your way back into the ranks."

Miles had been around long enough to understand what she was implying. Offering valuable information could only mean one thing—betraying both his superiors and subordinates.

There was no doubt in his mind that Carissa spoke the truth.

Two things made it clear. First, Ian and his men had been constantly patrolling the river. Second, Carissa's personal involvement in the interrogation. If Salvador hadn't authorized it, she wouldn't need to be here and could have easily sent someone else to extract the truth through torture.

Of course, Miles had no idea that Carissa had already analyzed his situation in detail and anticipated his thoughts.

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze never leaving his. "How far does the corruption go? What's Mr. Judd's stance on it?"

Miles hesitated for a moment, then said, "To be honest, he encouraged us to embezzle. He called it a 'hardship allowance'. Basically, a way to make extra money. At first, we just took a little and he didn't care. Over time, our confidence grew.

"Then, one day, he warned us that he was keeping a record of every bribe we took, but he didn't take action. We figured he was just as guilty as us. After that, we got bolder and bolder, and he didn't seem to care at all."

Carissa raised an eyebrow. "So, he hasn't done anything about it, not even until now?"

Seeing the tall young man beside Carissa pick up the iron tongs again, Miles quickly said, "Well… there was one time, just before this riverworks project started. He called us all together and warned us strictly not to take any money this time, not even a single coin. He said we should be careful not to draw any attention. He even arranged for us to take turns going on leave while he personally oversaw the work."

Carissa tilted her head slightly, her tone casual as she asked, "Why such special attention this time?"

Miles' eyes flickered nervously. "It's probably… probably because this project is especially important…"

Before he could finish, Carissa swiftly grabbed the iron tongs and pressed them to his arm.

His last words ended in a painful scream, followed by a deep breath as he whimpered, "I'll talk. I'll tell you everything! I swear, I won't hide anything!"

"Speak!" Travis barked sharply.

Miles was in so much pain that tears and snot were flowing. He was both afraid and resentful of Carissa, but had no choice but to tell her everything.

Miles thought for a moment before replying, "I went to the reservoir a couple of days ago. It's almost finished, and since Mr. Walker and the others have been keeping an eye on it, Mr. Judd had all of us get to work. It seems like some people have been replaced, but not many."

Carissa asked a few more questions, but none of them concerned Nicholas. Miles answered everything he could, and if he didn't know something, he simply said so. No amount of heat from the iron tongs could get more out of him.

Carissa knew she couldn't hold him much longer as it would raise suspicions.

So, before Miles could see what was coming, she spoke to Travis, "You stay here and keep an eye on him. I'll go to the palace to report to the king and see what he wants to do about this."

"Yes, Your Grace!" Travis responded.

But Carissa didn't go to the palace. Instead, she went back to the Capital Guard headquarters, where she arranged for her men to secretly monitor various locations at the construction sites. After waiting for two hours, she returned to the courtyard.

With her hands clasped behind her back, she coldly regarded Miles. "Because of your contribution in providing information, His Majesty has decided to spare your life for now. You may go, but it's best you stay home, pretending to be ill. And remember, not a word to anyone. If a single whisper escapes your lips, your life will be forfeit."

Travis released Miles, who collapsed to the floor, crying and repeatedly bowing in gratitude. He had never imagined Salvador would show him mercy. He thanked his stars that he had confessed, for if he hadn't, he would likely be on his way to Astral Prison now.